Three weeks ago I separated a pair of my G. Tapajos into a 65g in the hope to finally not only see the spawning and the eggs but also fry of these fish. Well, today they released for the first time. I tried to get some pictures but it just did not work out. I could only see the fry while they were switching them. I will post some decent shots in a few days when they leave the fry out for a longer time.

Here is a very bad picture but it was the best I could get today:

Someday with a bigger tank, I want the tapajos red head, so beautiful. plus I like the planted driftwood, sand tanks that eartheater sit up usually are.

Cool pic, Klaus!

Can't wait for some more pics and congrats!

CONGRATS!!!!!! Ok Klaus I have a couple of questions about this species...

#1. About what size were yours when they started spawning? I have 6, 4 males and 2 females. They are about 3 to 4 inches long right now. I have had them for about a year now.

#2. What if anything did you have to do special to get them to spawn? I have sand bottoms in my tanks. I use a sinking pellet, flake foods and frozen foods. I have tried minimal water movement, and tried a more robust water movement. I have done weekly water changes, and I have done water changes every other day on their tank. I added more plants and some big pieces of driftwood, and I changed to a minimal decoration scheme. I am still not getting any thing that looks like they are even interested in spawning. I have even thought about using Kim's approach and trying candles and Barry White CDs.

#3. I know they are mouth brooders, and that both sexes take part in the holding of the eggs and fry. But do they form monogamous pairs, or do they harem spawn like Malawans? Should I seperate out pairs from the group when and if they form?

#4. Any other misc. info you can give about this species would be greatly appriciated.

Thanx in advance for any help you can offer.

OOOOH look at those cute little babies

Congratulations on the successful spawn! (And you did it the natural way. Good Job )

Very nice...need to see more pix of the babies Bouncy

Hey thanks everybody. I sure am happy Cloud 9

OK Kirk, let's see if I can answer all your questions:

#1. About what size were yours when they started spawning?
Mine started to spawn at about 3"- 4". They spawn regularly every 3-4 weeks.

#2. What if anything did you have to do special to get them to spawn?
I don't think I do anything special but I will tell you how I keep them. The 5 Tapajos (3M/2F) share a 6 foot / 160g with 7 Altifrons (?M/F).



I do a 50% water change every week and feed them mostly small frozen foods like brine shrimp, blood worms and mysis once a day. Both species spawn regularly but the fry has no chance of survival in that set-up. I did get a lot of inquiries from friends and decided about 3 weeks ago to separate one pair. They moved into a 4 foot / 65g with a couple of juvenile Bolivian Rams as company.



Well, it did not take them very long. Both parents will take the eggs into their mouth after about 2 days and chew the fry out of the shells. They will alternate their duties so that one of them is able to feed.



Don't know what else to tell you except to leave them alone as much as possible. Too much experimenting is no good either.

Good luck my friend Good Job

What kind of filtration do you have to work with the sand?

sorry, nother question. what kind of anubias is that?

The 160g is filtered by two Rena canisters and the 65g has an AquaClear 500.

The plant is anubias barteri.

Klaus, those tanks are so nice. Your fish are really lucky to be in your care.

Well thank you Aura, what a nice thing to say Blush

OK, I get it...leave them alone and dont mess with the set up. And maybe start feeding a little more live/frozen foods to them.

Interesting info, Klaus! the Clap

Good luck in the future, Mongo, and let us know if your
changing of food stimulates any breeding. Now this should be good!

I'm speaking about the fish, Mongo, not you! Giggly

are the anubiases potted or attahced to the wood?

They are all attached to wood or rocks. I tried the potting thing but after a few days they either turn yellow or the fish have dug them out.